Veteran Benefits & Resources in Texas

Introduction

Texas is home to more than 1.5 million military veterans, one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. The state has a strong military tradition and offers a wide network of support through state veteran benefits, VA healthcare systems, county Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Texas so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Texas

Hazlewood Act – Tuition Exemption

The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges and universities for eligible Texas veterans. In some cases, unused hours may be transferred to a veteran’s child through the Hazlewood Legacy program.

Source:
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Texas offers significant property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, with benefits increasing based on the veteran’s disability rating. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.

Source:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/disabledvet-100-faq.php

Texas Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in hiring for Texas state government jobs, helping veterans transition into public service careers.

Source:
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/employment/

Texas Veteran License Plate Program

Texas offers a wide variety of military and veteran specialty license plates, including plates for Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, and other service distinctions.

Source:
https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/license-plates/military

Veteran Designation on Texas Driver License

Texas veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or state ID, making it easier to verify veteran status when accessing services and benefits.

Source:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/veteran-designation-driver-license

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Texas

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits is especially important in Texas, where state-level benefits scale significantly with your rating. Below is a breakdown of what veterans can expect at different levels.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive some of the most generous benefits in the country.

In Texas, this includes:

• Full Property Tax Exemption on your primary residence
• Highest level of monthly VA compensation
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Additional state benefits such as free driver license, reduced vehicle registration fees, and potential education benefits for dependents

Texas stands out as one of the most veteran-friendly states for 100% disabled veterans, particularly for homeowners.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and growing access to state-level support.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Increased eligibility for state-level fee waivers and support programs

Texas begins to offer more tangible state-level benefits as disability ratings increase.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, veterans reach an important threshold for healthcare benefits.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions, not just service-connected issues
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

While major Texas tax benefits are not yet unlocked, federal healthcare benefits become significantly more valuable at this level.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive important benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• Access to VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Some partial property tax exemptions in Texas, depending on rating level

Texas is unique in that even lower disability ratings can qualify for scaled property tax relief, increasing as your rating rises.

No matter your rating, working with a County Veteran Service Officer (VSO) or the Texas Veterans Commission can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned—and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.

VA & Healthcare Resources

Texas veterans have access to one of the largest VA healthcare networks in the country.

VA Medical Centers

Major VA hospitals in Texas include:

• Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
• Dallas VA Medical Center
• South Texas Veterans Health Care System
• Central Texas Veterans Health Care System

These facilities provide comprehensive care including primary care, specialty services, mental health support, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

Texas operates dozens of VA outpatient clinics in cities throughout the state, expanding access to care in rural and urban areas.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers offer confidential counseling and support services for combat veterans, service members, and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Texas veterans can receive assistance from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Apply for state and federal benefits
• Obtain military records
• Connect with local veteran resources

Directory of Texas County Veteran Service Officers:

https://www.tvc.texas.gov/claims/locate-a-county-service-officer/

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Texas State Veterans Homes

Texas operates several State Veterans Homes providing long-term care and skilled nursing services for eligible veterans.

Locations include:

• Texas State Veterans Home – Austin
• Texas State Veterans Home – Bonham
• Texas State Veterans Home – Floresville
• Texas State Veterans Home – El Paso

Source:
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/homes/

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Texas veterans experiencing housing instability can access assistance through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing organizations that serve veterans across the state.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Combined Arms

A Houston-based nonprofit that connects veterans to employment opportunities, healthcare resources, and community support through a coordinated network of service providers.

https://www.combinedarms.us

Boot Campaign

Supports veteran health and wellness through programs addressing PTSD, brain health, and transition challenges.

https://bootcampaign.org

Carry The Load

A Texas-based nonprofit that raises awareness and provides support programs for military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

https://carrytheload.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Texas provides several resources supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

Texas Veterans Commission Entrepreneur Program

Offers business mentoring, education, and resources specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.

https://www.tvc.texas.gov/entrepreneurs/

Texas Small Business Development Center Network

Provides counseling, training, and business planning assistance for veteran-owned businesses.

https://americassbdc.org/small-business-consulting-and-training/find-your-sbdc/

SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers mentorship, training, and guidance for veterans starting or expanding businesses.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Texas hosts a wide variety of veteran-focused events throughout the year that connect veterans with employment opportunities, services, and community support.

These include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down events
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Veteran networking and support groups

These programs help veterans connect with services, employers, and fellow veterans across the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in Texas can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your County Veteran Service Officer for help filing VA claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the Texas Veterans Commission.

4. Connect with veteran nonprofits that provide housing, employment, and community support.

Texas Veterans Commission
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Texas veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.